I met her back in May at the government orphanage. I remember thinking, “I’m so thankful Grace Village will be saving the future children as babies so they don’t have time to get as old as this girl.” You didn’t have to look at her long to see how neglect had taken its toll on her little body.

It was hopeless.

Or so I thought. Jim and Vickie (co-founders of Grace Village) decided to take her in (a feat I figured was too overwhelming), and she’s beginning to thrive.

Jim told me he recently took her on a walk where some locals passing by saw she had Down syndrome. They changed their path entirely to avoid being near her as they passed.

I can’t totally blame them. I acted similarly months ago in the orphanage when I categorized her as a hopeless case. But that’s what happens when you classify value, now isn't it?

Naomi still has fits, but she’s smiling, connecting, and a different little girl than I saw 4 months ago. Today, I’m especially thankful Jim and Vickie saw what could be, but wasn’t yet. Their perseverance and willingness to help the “least of these” continues to inspire me.